TROY, Mich., Jan. 10, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Yesterday, Walsh College President and CEO Stephanie Bergeron, along with students, faculty, employers and community leaders, gathered to celebrate the grand opening of the college's highly sophisticated, interactive finance lab at the Walsh College Troy Campus.

The new 1,400 square-foot, glass encased finance lab will provide students with a hands-on environment to examine the principles of market structure and learn the software programs which drive the financial marketplace. The lab is an extension of Walsh's philosophy to give students the real world experience employers are seeking in today's competitive job market.

The finance lab gives students a taste of Wall Street with 12 Bloomberg terminals, several large flat screen televisions tuned to market and financial reports, and breakout rooms where students can examine current market conditions, trends and discuss future projections. Financial information continuously updates on an impressive LED ticker along the top of the lab wall, giving students a real-time glimpse into the latest market movement and news.

"Walsh College's interactive finance lab will change the way we teach financial courses," said Walsh College Professor Linda Wiechowski, chair of the finance and economics department. "Our new lab will provide students with the knowledge and tools they need to fine-tune their skills and increase their marketability."

Specifically, the lab will be used to enhance the learning experience in investment courses, portfolio courses, financial markets courses, international finance courses, financial management courses and economics courses. In addition to academic use, Walsh College plans to invite the public to the lab for educational and informational events such as financial planning seminars and private investment education programs.

ABOUT WALSH COLLEGEFounded in 1922, Walsh College offers upper-division undergraduate and graduate business and technology degrees and certificate programs at locations in Troy, Novi, Harper Woods, Clinton Township, and Port Huron, as well as online. Walsh College is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (www.ncahlc.org; phone: 312-263-0456). All degree programs are accredited by the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE, www.iacbe.org) and specific degree programs are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP, www.acbsp.org). For details, visit www.walshcollege.edu/accreditation.